Shalom. Welcome to Elul Zman at WebYeshiva.
Elul is the pathway back, to return to the Beginning, of the year, of teshuva, of self and Godly Knowledge. Rebbe Nachman, and other Sages, describe for us the stages of Teshuva.
We can distinguish four stages of this process of Return. The first, tonight, we will discuss some of the teachings of the Arizal, based on the Verse from Mishlei, “The One who gives a path in the sea.” Naturally, the holy words of King Solomon describe the place we must begin. Feeling lost in the sea. What does this mean. What do we do about it? How can we find a way out of what seems an endless, boundless place without direction or guidelines? Rebbe Nachman begins with, as always, “Pour out your heart… in words.” What words? I have nothing to say. I feel nothing.
That is where we begin, in the truth of where we are. Of what we feel. When we cannot think, we must feel. And when we cannot feel, we must think.
Join us tonight, bring pen and paper, to search for our words, when lost at sea.
See you there,
Avraham Shirak